No Coincidence Convergence of four Acadia alumni a strong testament to Acadia values, commitment to community By Charlotte Rogers (’13)
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t’s not unusual for Acadia graduates to leave Wolfville ready to take on the world and effect positive change. It’s certainly remarkable, however, when four alumni from different walks of life come together with a sense of empowerment and purpose that reflects in many ways the values embodied in the Acadia experience. When Shelley Fleckenstein (’85) opened Kings Physiotherapy Clinic, New Minas, in 1995, she employed just one other physiotherapist part-time. Twenty years later, the clinic has grown to a 28-strong team of physiotherapists, occupational and massage therapists, psychologists and a pedorthist. Four additional co-owners have joined Fleckenstein, three of whom are Acadia alumna.
THE TEAM Fleckenstein grew up in Wolfville and studied biology at Acadia, where she was studious and social in equal measure. “At exam time, I would have a 14-hour schedule for the day,” she remembers, “but I also went to a lot of parties and never missed a SuperSub or Exit 10 dance.”
Monique Comeau (’93), Director of Tiered Services, recalls a similar Acadia experience. “I had so much fun – too much fun sometimes!” she admits, but adds, “because I was happy, I was successful.” Following her BSc in biology, Comeau gained a place in the highly competitive physiotherapy program at Dalhousie University. Director of Physiotherapy Services Kim Kerr (’87) also entered the Dalhousie program from Acadia before joining Kings in 2008. Raised in New Brunswick, Kerr was recruited to the Axewomen basketball team. She credits her time as a student-athlete for helping her to develop the leadership and time management skills she employs every day in her job. Like Kerr, Patricia Rose (’86), Director of Mental Health Services, came to Acadia from New Brunswick. “I chose Acadia because I had attended summer music camps there in Grades 7 and 8,” she explains, “and I thought the place was just awesome.” Rose earned her BAH in psychology and remained at Acadia for her MSc. She later taught courses at the University before joining the Kings team in 2000. Though the four alumni co-owners, along with Aylesford-
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ACADIA BULLETIN Fall 2015